Matadors Drop 67-58 Decision to Wichita State in Thanksgiving Classic

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -
The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team (0-5) lost 67-58 to Wichita State Friday night as part of the Woodland Hills Holiday Inn Thanksgiving Basketball Classic 2010 at The Matadome. Jasmine Erving led CSUN with 15 points and tied a career high with 13 rebounds in recording her seventh career double-double.

After trailing by as many as 18 midway through the second half, CSUN mounted a comeback and pulled within four, 51-47, with 3:43 left in the game. However, the Shockers were able to hit their free throws in the waning moments of the contest to close the game out.

As close as the game was at times, CSUN spotted Wichita State a 7-0 lead to start both halves. Playing constantly in catch-up mode, the Matadors shot 30.8 percent (16-of-52) from the field compared to a 41.2 percent (21-of-51) rate for the Shockers.

The Shockers also dominated the paint, out-rebounding (48-28) and out-scoring (28-16) the Matadors. Northridge hung around by hitting 22-of-27 free throws, including eight makes by Violet Alama.

Erving finished 6-of-17 from the field and added three blocks and a steal in 26 minutes off the bench for Northridge. She is averaging 8.8 points and 5.4 rebounds through CSUN's first five contests.

Alama was the other Matador to score in double-figures, finishing with 13 points. She added two assists and a block and a steal in 36 minutes. She is averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Freshman Haley White added a season-high four steals and six points for the Matadors.

Haleigh Lankster led Wichita State with 21 points and Chynna Tuner added 18 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Northridge will now face Chattanooga, which suffered a 66-65 loss to Wyoming in the opening game of the tournament. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m.

Wyoming and Wichita State will square off for the tournament title proceeding the Matadors' game. Tip-off for the Shockers and Cowgirls is slated for approximately 7:30 p.m.